In terms of essay writing, Standard English Module B Close Study of Text is probably the best example of how a true essay looks. An essay is supposed to be an exploration of an idea or a question that is eating away at the respondent. To put it bluntly, it is the physical manifestation of understanding. This module looks at one text and asks you to specifically breakdown the themes, ideas and meaning within the text so that you can interpret what it is trying to say. Of course, you will also be looking at the language being used to formulate your thoughts.
From the HSC English Prescriptions:
This module requires students to engage in detailed analysis of a text. It develops students’ understanding of how the ideas, forms and language of a text interact within the text and may affect those responding to it.
Moreover, your thesis statement and content will relate to the themes and ideas that are being put forward in the text. For example, if you are one of the lucky students who get to study ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, you would be expected to examine ideas about social norms, mental illness and the implications of this on wider society. Not to mention, you would also have to look at the way the text is written in order to identify how the author communicates to the audience.
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